This European island offers rays of up to 25C in October (Image: Getty Images)
If you’re already dreaming of basking in some more balmy sunshine and don’t want to wait until next year, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of European destinations still offering rays of up to 25C in October. One particular hotspot is just four hours from the UK, and flights start from as little as £15.
The Canary Islands have long been a beloved holiday destination for Brits, thanks to their collection of sandy beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes and year-round tropical climate. There’s Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, but one that truly sets itself apart is Fuerteventura.
As the second-biggest island in the Canary archipelago, Fuerteventura is known for its endless stretches of beaches, measuring more than 150km, with white sand against turquoise waters, rolling dunes and crystal-clear lagoons. In October, visitors can expect to bask in temperatures of up to 25C, with lows of a comfortable 20C – ideal for escaping the British chill.
Fuerteventura is lined with beautiful stretches of coastline (Image: Getty Images)
One of Fuerteventura’s prettiest beaches is often cited as Playa de Cofete, boasting 12km of unspoilt golden sand backed by dramatic volcanic mountains, creating an awe-inspiring landscape. It remains wonderfully unspoilt by hotels and promenades, hailed as a “spectacular natural space” and the “most beautiful and wild beach in Fuerteventura” by holidaymakers.
Yet one of the island’s most remarkable stretches of coastline is Playa del Bajo de la Burra, more commonly known as Popcorn Beach. Astonishingly, the shoreline is blanketed in white, fossilised coral or calcareous algae that has been washed up by the waves, creating an extraordinary resemblance to freshly popped popcorn.
The resemblance to genuine popcorn strewn across the sand has earned recognition as the “most bizarre in the world”, with some travellers comparing it to scenes found in the Caribbean. “Great place to visit and just sit and relax. Nice wind and when the tide is out, plenty of rock pools to explore. Beware of the slippery lava rocks, very dangerous. When the tide is in, the white popcorn algae makes it look like the Caribbean!”, one visitor shared on TripAdvisor.
‘Popcorn beach’ has left holidaymakers bewildered (Image: Getty Images)
Beyond the vast sandy shores, Fuerteventura offers a laid-back atmosphere and an abundance of luxury resorts for that sought-after island escape. And its desert-like landscapes are certainly worth exploring, whether that’s a gentle hike through its rugged terrain or a visit to one of its natural parks to really soak up the scenery, from Parque Natural de Corralejo with its “splendid dunes” or Calderon Hondo, which has been described as “extraordinary”.
Elsewhere, there’s the charming old town of Betancuria, nestled within a mountain valley, with narrow cobbled lanes, Baroque-style buildings and a collection of authentic restaurants. Sharing an insight into the idyllic town, one holidaymaker wrote on TripAdvisor: “Splendid and an absolute must-visit, a square with a church, small shops, and typical restaurants, no market. The road to get there includes two overlooks with a magnificent view. Winding road and in some cases without guardrails but only concrete blocks, the local shops close in the late afternoon.”
One-way direct flights to Fuerteventura start from just £15 in October, departing from London Stansted Airport, with the journey taking four hours and 15 minutes, according to Skyscanner. Furthermore, cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Liverpool also offer a number of direct flights to the sunshine-soaked destination.
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
